Sto Nino feast celebrated at Keningau Cathedral

KENINGAU – Four hundred Filipino parishioners, together with other communities, gathered at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral here to celebrate the third annual Feast of Sto Nino de Cebu on  15 Jan  2017 themed Let the children come to me.

The celebration started with a procession of the statue of the Child Jesus from the entrance of Dataran Solidariti to the cathedral.  The Mass was presided by Father John Emerson from the Diocese of Masbate City, Philippines.

In his homily, Fr Emerson reminded parents not to compare their children with other children.   He said that comparing one’s child’s grades with others’ does more harm than good, leading to stress and lowering the child’s self-esteem and worth.

He added that praising another child may lead to secret loathing and unbecoming behaviour as the parent may be passing on the message that the better performing child is favoured and loved more.

The priest urged parents to be proud of their children’s uniqueness,  efforts and give them their unconditional love and support.

After Mass, all adjourned to a luncheon fellowship, where parishioners were served with traditional local and Filipino delicacies.

Chairlady of the Filipino Pastoral Committee cum Chief Liaison of Persatuan Kababayn Sabah (PKS) thanked the organising committee for their effort and commitment.

Also present at the event were Father Rudolf Joannes, Father Francis Dakun, seminarian David Richard, members of the Filipino community from St Mary’s Cathedral Sandakan, St Theresa and Holy Cross Tambunan, Holy Spirit Church Sook/Nabawan, St Valentine Beaufort, and members of PKS Keningau. –  CherilyRondidasn